As we wrap up our Easter week exploration, I wanted to return to memories from my childhood. I did some research and discovered for thousands of years, the lamb has been a symbol of innocence and sacrifice. Long before the "Lamb Cake" sat on a lace tablecloth, the tradition began with the Jewish Passover (Pesach), where a real lamb was sacrificed to commemorate liberation. When early Christians adopted the symbol, Jesus became known as the "Lamb of God." But the History of the Plate tells a story of adaptation. In Central Europe (Poland, Germany, and the Czech Republic), not every family could afford a spring lamb for the feast. History shows that when people can’t afford the "real thing," they get creative. Poorer families began baking "meatless lambs" using flour, eggs, and sugar giving birth to the Osterlamm (Germany) and the Baranek Wielkanocny (Poland). By the time these traditions reached the US, specifically the Polish hubs like Buffalo, NY, the lamb took on a new form: The Butter Lamb. Having grown up in Chicago, in a heavily Polish neighborhood, I was surprised when I moved to the South no one knew about lamb butter! Is this a tradition you experienced? Whether it’s a cake covered in coconut "wool" or a sculpture made of pure butter, these objects are historical anchors. They remind us that even when resources are thin, humans will always find a way to preserve their symbols through play and food. @Max Orlewicz @Artur Rozmysł @Katya McEwen @Rene Kerkdyk @Ruben Plasmeijer is there anything you can add?

As I was scrolling through our community today, I noticed something. Almost every single post comes from me. Now, that’s not horrible, as I like to think I’m offering some food for thought and good play ideas but…I don’t know everything and I don’t have your expertise and experiences. Here’s what I’m proposing Free For All Saturdays. On Saturdays, everyone shares. Start a post of your own and share one tip, one game, or one question. Confused on category, when in doubt use general otherwise our new Free4All category. What do you think?

How cool we are continuing to grow. Please take a moment to welcome our newest members, @Samuel Wendland and @Aurelie Delahalle. I know things can get a little chaotic here. Our goal is to have fun and bring more play into our lives and those of the children we care for and about. The classroom is going to be undergoing a makeover but I encourage you to take a look at the Start Here and when you are ready, please say Hello!

Let's extend a warm welcome to our newest community members, @Evelene Sterling, @Mayelice Castro, @Artur Rozmysł, @Elizabeth Houston, @Gus Gray, and @Paras Desai I'm excited to have you join us. Don't hesitate to jump right in to the Scavenger Hunt or you can visit the Start Here classroom for a lay of the land. Please take a moment to introduce yourself, too either here or in the Introductions section. More to come tomorrow.

Are you ready for some BINGO-fueled CHAOS? Get ready! We’re taking the classic scavenger hunt, throwing it in a blender with Bingo, and adding a dash of "you-made-this-happen" magic. This is for you to play with your friends and family. Comment below with: • 🔴 4 colours (Yes, we’re using the "u" today! In honor of @Adam Formanek!😆) • 🍓 4 fruits • 🌸 4 things found outside • 💃 4 physical actions ⏰ The Timeline • Live Play: Saturday 3/28 – Monday 3/30 • Deadline for Submissions: Monday 11:59 pm CDT • Winners Crowned: Tuesday 3/31 ⚖️ The Rules will be posted tomorrow but first we brainstorm. @Andrea Quintal Portas, @Anzumana Taal, @Betty Jo Winters, @Blue Mojo, @Janell Bitton, @Catherine McDowell, @Celia Kibler, @Daniel Cavaretta, @David Iya, @Des Cooke, @Erica Sisco-Dube, @Erin O'Neill, @Shelma Erikson, @Karen Gibson, @Jacqueline Hutchinson, @Roslyn Hill, @Yu-Tzu Huang, @Janice Shoults, @Lisa Vanderveen, @Max Orlewicz, @Mayelice Castro, @Mukkove Johnson, @Sharon Otaguro, @Paisley Kiddie, @Ruben Plasmeijer, @Ramona Zihlke, @Rene Kerkdyk, @Sahibaz Tatla, @Scott Brewster, @Shannon Boyer, @Tim Tindle, @Wendy Wiseman